Psychological aspects of dependence on social networks of middle-aged people

Abstract

This article explores the level of social networking addiction among middle-aged people. The aim of the study was to investigate the psychological aspects of social media addiction. Priority was given to studying the components of social media addiction, stress and anxiety. The respondents were middle- aged people aged 30-49 from Nur-Sultan, including 33 women and 27 men (N = 50). During the study, the level of dependence on social media was determined by the Internet Addiction Test (K. Young), anxi- ety level by the Anxiety Scale (Spielberger-Hanin), stress level by the Stress Diagnostic (K. Schreiner). The methodology was implemented by respondents online via a link. In addition to the methods, there was a question “What social network do you spend the most time on?”. As a result, 38.2% answered Whats App and 31.8% answered Facebook. According to the social media addiction test: 66% of people have a high level of addiction, 22% have a medium level and 12% have a low level. It was also found that people with high levels of internet addiction (33 people) have higher levels of personal anxiety and stress. For some people, using social media becomes the most important activity. Psychological or be- havioural dependence on social media can lead to significant impairment of functions in various areas of life over a long period of time. Therefore, the results presented in the experimental work can be used by psychologists in their work.

Key words: internet, social networks, internet addiction, anxiety, stress.